One of the best things about Nintendo Switch 2 is that some older Switch games are getting free updates. These are not full remakes, and they are not always huge upgrades. Still, if you already own the games, better visuals, smoother performance, HDR, GameShare, or faster loading times are nice bonuses.
Here are the Switch games with free Switch 2 updates and what each update adds.
Games
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet get improved image quality and a smoother frame rate on Switch 2. This is easily one of the most important updates on the list. These games were heavily criticized for performance issues on the original Switch, so a smoother version on Switch 2 makes a real difference.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury gets better image quality and smoother performance on Switch 2. Bowser’s Fury also supports HDR. The update also adds GameShare support. That makes this one of the stronger free updates, especially if you still play Mario games with friends or family.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey gets improved image quality, HDR support, and GameShare. This game already looked great on the original Switch, so this update is more of a nice polish than a rescue job. Still, Odyssey is one of those games that always gives you a reason to return.
Splatoon 3
Splatoon 3 gets improved visuals on Switch 2. It also gets smoother movement in the plaza and Grand Festival Grounds. This is not a huge upgrade, but it makes sense for an online game with an active community. Cleaner movement and sharper visuals are always welcome in Splatoon.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom gets improved image quality and HDR support. The game already has a bright and colorful art style, so the Switch 2 update should help it look cleaner on the new screen and modern TVs.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening also gets improved image quality and HDR support. This is a good match for the game’s toy-like visual style. It does not turn the game into something new, but it should make the world look sharper and more polished.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD gets improved image quality and faster loading times on Switch 2. It also adds local wireless GameShare for two players. One player can control Donkey Kong, while the other can play as Diddy Kong or Dixie Kong.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker gets improved visuals, HDR support, and GameShare. The GameShare support is the most useful part here. It lets two players enjoy all courses together, either locally or online through GameChat.
ARMS
ARMS gets improved image quality, smoother frame rate, and HDR support. The smoother frame rate matters more here than it would in a slower game. ARMS is built around timing, movement, and quick reactions, so this update fits the game well.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons gets improved image quality on the Switch 2 display. This is a smaller update compared to some other games. Still, Animal Crossing is a game people return to for years, so a cleaner image is a welcome bonus.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe gets improved image quality on Switch 2. There is no massive new feature here. It simply makes the game look cleaner, which is still useful for one of the most popular multiplayer Mario games on Switch.
Game Builder Garage
Game Builder Garage gets improved visuals and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. The mouse controls are the real highlight. Building and editing should feel more natural on Switch 2, especially for players who spend a lot of time creating their own ideas.
51 Worldwide Games
51 Worldwide Games gets GameShare support on Switch 2. Up to four players can play 34 games locally or online through GameChat. That makes this update useful for families, friends, and casual multiplayer sessions.
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain gets GameShare support. Up to four players can join Party Mode. It is not the flashiest update, but it fits the game perfectly.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 gets improved image quality on Switch 2. The collection also supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. That could make pointer-style actions feel better on the new hardware.
Other Free Switch 2 Upgrades Worth Watching
Nintendo’s list of Nintendo Switch 2 free updates mostly focuses on its own games, but third-party support is also worth watching. Some older third-party Switch games are getting free Switch 2 upgrades too.
No Man’s Sky is a strong example. Existing Switch owners can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for free. That version brings major improvements, including better visuals and features that were missing from the original Switch release.
Red Dead Redemption is another game worth watching if you already own it on Switch. The Switch 2 version gives the game a stronger technical base and makes it a much better fit for Nintendo’s new hardware.
Are These Free Switch 2 Updates Worth It?
Yes, especially if you already own the games. Nintendo Switch 2 free updates can make older games sharper, smoother, or more useful without asking you to buy them again.
Some updates only improve image quality. Others add smoother performance, HDR, GameShare, faster loading, or better controls.
For players moving from Switch to Switch 2, that makes the old library feel more valuable. Games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 3, and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD now have a stronger reason to return to your screen.
